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• SPECIAL ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING <br />MINUTES FOR JUNE 29,1998 <br />CITY ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT <br />( #5) UPDATE ON EMPLOYMENT STATUS OF MARK THOMTON <br />Moorse reported that Thornton has a medical condition which his doctor has indicated will not allow <br />him to perform the duties of a police officer. He has been off since the middle of March and is out <br />of benefits. Staff is recommending termination from his position. He has made a workers' <br />compensation claim stating that his medical condition is work related. He also has the potential for <br />a veteran's preference hearing and a grievance through his collective bargaining agreement. <br />Jabbour asked about the City's relationship with Thornton. Moorse responded that Thornton is not <br />happy about the denial of his workers' compensation claim. <br />Kelley asked what would happen if the City did not terminate Thornton and took no action. Moorse <br />responded that it left a question as to replacing him or filling his hours. <br />Barrett commented that an employee in this situation, who has otherwise been a good employee, <br />would want to trigger veteran's preference, COBRA rights, and come to a reasonable conclusion. <br />• Kelley suggested authorization to hire another officer, and leave the initiation of termination up to <br />Thornton. <br />• <br />Peterson noted that the employee would have to be terminated for COBRA rights to begin. <br />Goetten commented that she wanted to be fair and was unaware of any complaints with Thornton. <br />Barrett felt it was a better policy to pursue termination. <br />Jabbour suggested visiting with Thornton to communicate to him the City's appreciation for his years <br />of service as a police officer, and to express the City's regrets regarding his health condition and his <br />inability to continue working as a police officer. He felt the City should help him explore his rights. <br />Peterson felt the City was making a mistake if they decided not to terminate Thornton. Kelley <br />agreed. <br />Peterson asked about the process of replacing Thornton. Moorse responded that once the termination <br />is finalized, the City can consider making Thomton's temporary replacement (Chris Fischer) <br />permanent, or initiate s selection process for a full -time police officer. <br />P <br />